Hello,
I am trying to remove paint from the brick surrounding my fireplace. The house was built in the 1950’s. Since that time the previous owners painted the brick; first dark green, then white some years later. I used a paint stripper product called Bix to remove most of the layers of paint. But not all the paint came off. The cement and crevices of the brick still have some paint. Does anyone have any suggestions for restoring the brick to the original unpainted look?
A contracter mentioned Oxacylic acid but was unsure if it would work. Since the brick is interior, I was hoping for a non pressure wash/sand treatment. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Replies
I think you were on target with the paint stripper. The trick to them is to keep the open time as long as possible, meaning keeping the stripper damp or not drying out, some you can spray a bit of water others are probably better to reapply, and dont be timid, but be careful. Wear gloves and safety glasses minimum, maybe an apron. Watch your directions with ventilation and other hazards.
Another thing you should know is that there is a good chance you have lead paint on there, the green at least could easily be pre '79 so no torch or heat gun, wash yourself and tools well afterwards and work wet. A brush of sorts will work wonders, see what will be destroyed by the stripper, and work around that. Steel, brass, poly, nylon, or natural bristle. Check in a small spot to make sure the brush doesnt abrade the brick to badly. In addition a stick like a skewer or sharp chopstick or something to get in grooves. You may find some neat tools in the tile area at a 'box store', or be innovative and fashion your own. It sounds like you have a big job ahead of you, but Im sure everyone will be thrilled with the result.
Oxalic acid should work its used with concrete, but its pretty caustic as well.
-zen
IF you need to use a brush, the brass will probably work best. The steel can discolor and the plastic gets really funky if you use Bix. Stainless may work, but I have seen more brass bristled brushes in the paint stripper area. They make some that are about 2" wide so it's not like painting a highway with a toothbrush.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."